Community gardening is quickly becoming a popular activity. There are many people who have green thumbs and need more space to grow produce and there are many new gardeners who simply want to learn how to grow their own fresh food.

A community garden is effective not only at offering a place to garden, but also at building camaraderie between the gardeners and the community in which the garden exists.

Here in Salina, we are fortunate enough to have 3 community gardens throughout the city that make garden plots available to 115 local families. Each year, these families benefit from better tasting and more nutritious food, as well as exercise, fellowship of community gardening and savings on their grocery bills.

The largest of the Salina Community Garden sites is at the former Stimmel Elementary School. There are 72 garden plots at the Stimmel School site -- each about 600 square feet in size -- and a few are still available. If you would like to use one, come into the K-State Research & Extension office starting Monday. To check on availability, you also can call the Extension office at (785) 309-5850. The Saline County office is at 300 W. Ash, Room 111. The share of maintenance costs for each garden is $15.

Cost benefits

Considering the increase in awareness of community gardening, it is always fun to see what the potential impact of a community garden plot can be. According to the National Gardening Association, a garden that is well maintained has the potential to produce a half-pound of fresh produce for every square foot of space. That means a garden can return $1 for each square foot.

Other studies show a cost-to-benefit ratio of 1 to 25, which simply means that for every $1 spent on seeds and supplies, a gardener can expect $25 worth of vegetables.

Regardless of the actual numbers, it's obvious that growing a garden can return a big reward for the effort. This is why gardeners not only grow for themselves but for others. I've seen some amazing generosity flow from the community gardens between families, neighbors and friends.

Gardening is always at the top of the list when it comes to participation in outdoor activities in America. One of the main reasons many people give up on gardening is the lack of space. So, if you love to garden but lack the space, this year might be the right time to consider joining others in gardening together at a community garden near you.

-- Jason Graves, Horticulture Extension Agent, K-State Research and Extension Central Kansas District, can be reached at 309-5850 or by email at jlgraves@ksu.edu.

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